Crop input variety selection systems, methods, and apparatus

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods and apparatus for selection of crop-input varieties. In one embodiment multiple varieties of seeds may be planted utilizing a row unit seed hopper having a plurality of compartments for receiving seed, each compartment having a seed passage through which seeds pass under gravity. A seed transfer actuator is disposed within or below the row unit seed hopper and is in communication with each of the seed passages and is configured to selectively open the seed passage of one of the plurality of compartments thereby permitting the seeds therein to pass into the seed pool of a seed meter while closing the seed passage of other of the plurality of compartments preventing the seeds from the other plurality of compartments passing into the seed pool of the seed meter.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the ability to control crop input applications on asite-specific basis (known as “precision farming”) has increasedinterest in varying input types throughout a field. In particular,advances in seed genetics and agronomic research have increased the needfor solutions enabling the variation of seed types in the field during aplanting operation. Some proposed solutions involve shifting betweeninput types fed to the metering units, which may result in blending ofinput types at the metering units and thus blended input regions in thefield. Thus there is a need in the art for systems, methods andapparatus for effectively selecting and varying agricultural input typesduring an in-field operation to quickly transition between input typesto limit blending between seed types.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a row crop planter.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a planter row unit.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a seed varietyselection system.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of an embodiment to selectively supplyseed to a seed meter from different auxiliary hoppers.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a process for changing seedvarieties.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of another embodiment to selectivelysupply seed to a seed meter from different auxiliary hoppers.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a process for changing seedvarieties.

FIG. 9 is another embodiment for selectively supplying seed to a seedmeter showing a partial cut-away perspective view of row unit seedhopper divided into compartments and utilizing seed transfer actuator inthe form of a rotating gate.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 showing therotating gate.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along lines X-X of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along lines Y-Y of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the rotating gate of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a row unit seedhopper similar to FIG. 12 but four compartments and showing anembodiment of a seed pool feeder.

DESCRIPTION Variety Selection Systems and Apparatus

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1illustrates a planter 10 having a frame 12 including a transverselyextending toolbar 14. A plurality of row units 200 are mounted to thetoolbar 14 in transversely spaced relation. A plurality of bulk hoppers110 are preferably supported by the frame 12 and in seed and pneumaticcommunication with the row units 200.

Turing to FIG. 2, an embodiment is illustrated in which the row unit 200is a planter row unit. The row unit 200 is preferably pivotallyconnected to the toolbar 14 by a parallel linkage 216. An actuator 218is preferably disposed to apply lift and/or downforce on the row unit200. A solenoid valve (not shown) is preferably in fluid communicationwith the actuator 218 for modifying the lift and/or downforce applied bythe actuator. An opening system 234 preferably includes two openingdiscs 244 rollingly mounted to a downwardly-extending shank 254 anddisposed to open a v-shaped trench 38 in the soil 40. A pair of gaugewheels 248 is pivotally supported by a pair of corresponding gauge wheelarms 260; the height of the gauge wheels 248 relative to the openerdiscs 244 sets the depth of the trench 38. A depth adjustment rocker 268limits the upward travel of the gauge wheel arms 260 and thus the upwardtravel of the gauge wheels 248. A downforce sensor (not shown) ispreferably configured to generate a signal related to the amount offorce imposed by the gauge wheels 248 on the soil 40; in someembodiments the downforce sensor comprises an instrumented pin aboutwhich the rocker 268 is pivotally coupled to the row unit 200, such asthose instrumented pins disclosed in Applicant's U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/522,253 (Pub. No. US 2010/0180695), the disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, a seed meter 300 such as that disclosedin Applicant's International Patent Application No. PCT/US2012/030192(“the '192 application”), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference, is preferably mounted to the row unit 200 anddisposed to deposit seeds 42 into the trench 38, e.g., through a seedtube 232 disposed to guide the seeds toward the trench. In otherembodiments, the seed tube 232 is replaced with a seed conveyor such asthat disclosed in Applicant's International Patent Application No.PCT/US2012/057327 (“the '327 application”) or Applicant's U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/192,309, both of which areincorporated herein by reference. In alternative embodiments, aplurality of seed meters 300 may be is mounted to the row unit 200 anddisposed to deposit seeds 42 into the same trench 38, e.g., through thesame seed tube 232 or seed conveyor.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the seed meter 300 preferably includes aseed side housing 500 having a first auxiliary hopper 532-1 for storingseeds 42 to be deposited by the seed meter and a second auxiliary hopper532-2 for storing seeds 42 to be deposited by the seed meter. The seedmeter 300 preferably includes a vacuum side housing 340 including avacuum port 342 for pulling a vacuum within the vacuum side housing 340.The seed meter 300 preferably includes a seed disc 320 including aplurality of seed apertures (not shown); the seed disc 320 preferablyseparates interior volumes of the vacuum side housing 340 and the seedside housing 500. In operation, seeds 42 communicated from the auxiliaryhoppers 532 into a seed pool 520 of the seed side housing 500 arecaptured on the seed apertures due to the vacuum in the vacuum sidehousing 340 and then released into the seed tube 232 (or seed conveyor).The seed meter 300 is preferably powered by individual electric drives315. Each drive 315 is preferably configured to drive the seed disc 320within the seed meter 300. Each electric drive preferably comprises anelectric drive such as one of the embodiments disclosed in InternationalPatent Application No. PCT/US2013/051971 and/or U.S. Pat. No. 7,617,785,the disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated herein in theirentirety by reference. In alternative embodiments, the drive 315 maycomprise a hydraulic drive or other motor configured to drive the seeddisc. In one embodiment, seed meter 300 can be sized to minimize thevolume of seed pool 520 so that there are fewer seeds in seed pool 520that have to be managed as a variety boundary is approached.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, seed is preferably selectively supplied tothe seed pool 520 from one of the auxiliary hoppers 532-1, 532-2 at atime by selective actuation of one or more seed transfer actuators 550which drive seed tenders 560-1, 560-2. The seed tender 560 beingactuated transfers seed from its associated auxiliary hopper 532 to theseed pool 520. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, each seed tender 560comprises an auger 564 (e.g., a cylindrical auger having internalflights). Each seed tender 560 preferably additionally includes apre-loading auger 562 which preferably loads seeds into the auger 564and preferably agitates seeds at the bottom of the associated auxiliaryhopper 532. An inlet end of the auger 564 is preferably disposedvertically lower than an outlet end of the auger such that seed does notflow through the auger by gravity and instead flows only upon selectiveactuation of the auger. For example, the auger (e.g., a sidewall of theauger, a rotational and/or central axis of the auger, a transport vectoralong which seeds are tendered by the auger) may be disposed at an angleA (e.g., between 0 and 90 degrees; between 10 and 80 degrees; between 20and 70 degrees; between 30 and 60 degrees; between 40 and 50 degrees;between 0 and 10 degrees; between 10 and 20 degrees; between 20 and 30degrees; between 30 and 40 degrees; between 50 and 60 degrees; between60 and 70 degrees; between 70 and 80 degrees; between 80 and 90 degrees;approximately 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70,75, 80, 85, or 90 degrees; 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55,60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, or 90 degrees) relative to a horizontal plane H.

In operation, the auxiliary hoppers 532-1, 532-2 are filled with a firstand second seed variety, respectively. The filling step may be completedby the central seed distribution system illustrated in FIG. 1 ormanually by the operator. Seed is preferably not transferred from eitherof the auxiliary hoppers 532 to the seed pool 520 until one of the seedtransfer actuators 550 drives an associated seed tender 560. Taking theseed tender 560-1 as an example, when the seed transfer actuator 550-1operates the seed tender 560-1, seed is preferably transferred from theauxiliary hopper 532 to the seed pool 520 by operation of the seedtransfer actuator. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, when the seedtransfer actuator is operated (i.e., driven for rotation), rotation ofthe pre-loading auger 562 pushes seeds into an internal volume of theauger 564 and rotation of the auger 564 due to the motion of internalflights 565 extending along an inner surface of the auger 564.

In alternative embodiments, each seed tender 560 may be other structureconfigured to selectively transfer seed or permit seed transfer from anauxiliary hopper 532 to the seed pool 520. Some such embodiments includecarousels, paddle wheels, dosing wheels, or gates. One such alternativeembodiment is illustrated in FIG. 7, where the seed tender comprises adosing element 700 having two dosing gates 710-1, 710-2 preferablydisposed to receive seed from (e.g., vertically below a lower outlet of)the auxiliary hoppers 532-1, 532-2 respectively. In a first position(e.g., the orientation in which the dosing gate 710-1 is illustrated)the dosing gate prevents flow of seed from the associated auxiliaryhopper by gravity into the seed pool 520 and preferably receives andstores a dose of seed from the associated auxiliary hopper in aninterior volume of the dosing gate. In a second orientation (e.g., theorientation in which the dosing gate 710-2 is illustrated), seed isretained in the associated auxiliary hopper by contact with a sidewallof the dosing gate and is not allowed to enter the interior volume ofthe dosing gate. In a third position (not illustrated but preferably 180degrees from the orientation in which the dosing gate 710-1 isillustrated), the dosing gate permits flow of seed from the interiorvolume of the dosing gate by gravity into the seed pool. The first andsecond dosing gates 710-1, 710-2 are preferably oriented relative to oneanother (e.g., at 90 degrees) such that the first dosing gate is in thefirst orientation when the second dosing gate is in the secondorientation. In operation, the seed transfer actuator 550 preferablyselectively rotates the dosing gates 710 between the first, second andthird positions to selectively dose seed into the seed pool 520. Forexample, to meter a controlled amount of seed from auxiliary hopper532-1, the first dosing gate 710-1 is preferably alternately rotatedbetween the first and third orientations while the second dosing gateremains in the second position or moves through a range of positions inwhich seed does not enter the interior volume of the second dosing gate.In an alternative embodiment, the dosing gate may include an openposition in which seed is permitted to flow from the associated hopperinto the seed pool.

In some embodiments, a fill level sensor 570 (FIG. 4) is provided forsensing a fill level of the seed pool 520. The fill level sensor 570 maycomprise an optical sensor provided in the seed pool 520 (e.g., pairedwith a light source which is only visible when the seed pool is notfilled passed a threshold level). The fill level sensor 570 mayalternatively comprise a range sensor (e.g., ultrasonic, ultrasound)configured to measure a distance between the sensor and an upper surfaceof seeds accumulated in the seed pool 520. The fill level sensor 570 mayalternatively comprise a capacitance sensor. In some embodiments, afirst fill level sensor may be provided for determining whether the seedpool is filled to a first level and a second fill level sensor may beprovided for determining whether the seed pool is filled to a second(e.g., higher or more full) level. A fill level sensor 570 simplifiesthe system by not having to count the number of seeds added to ordispensed from seed pool 520. The placement of fill level sensor 570 inthe seed pool can be based on the volume of the seed pool at thelocation along with knowing the volume of each seed to translate into anapproximate number of seeds. In some embodiments, there is no seedcounter for counting the number of seeds that are supplied to seed pool520. In one embodiment for corn seeds, fill level sensor 570 is disposedsuch that the level of seeds detected includes at least 150 seeds in theseed pool 520. When the seed pool 520 drops below fill level sensor 570,a signal is sent to the seed transfer actuator to open a flow path to adesired seed hopper (described below) to add more seeds to seed pool520. The volume of the seed pool 520 can be minimized by making thespace smaller, such as by including a baffle (not shown) to fill aportion of the volume.

The placement of fill level sensor 570 can assist in switching from oneseed type to a second seed type such that the feeding from one auxiliaryhopper is shut off as a boundary between seed variety regions isapproached such that the number of seeds of a first type in seed pool520 is minimized before crossing the boundary. Just before the boundaryis crossed, seeds of a second type can be added to seed pool 520. It ispreferable to always have seeds in the seed pool so that planting ismaximized. Some seeds of one type can be planted in another region, butthe prescription error is minimized. Knowing the number of seeds in seedpool 520 at the fill level sensor 570 and the rate of speed of thetractor, a time delay can be used for the switching of the seed types.

The seed transfer actuators 550 may comprise electric motors. In somesingle-actuator embodiments, a single seed transfer actuator 550 maydrive both seed tenders 560. In one single-actuator embodiment, a singleseed transfer actuator 550 has an output shaft which when driven in afirst direction drives the first seed tender in a first direction whichtransfers seed and drives the second seed tender in a second (e.g.,opposite) direction which does not transfer seed; thus when the singleseed transfer actuator is driven in the first direction, only the firstseed tender delivers seed. In another single-actuator embodiment, thesingle seed transfer actuator drives by both seed tenders 560 means of aclutch (e.g., a sprag clutch) such that when the seed transfer actuatordrives an output shaft thereof in a first direction, only the first seedtender is driven, and when the seed transfer actuator drives the outputshaft in a second (e.g., opposite) direction, only the second seedtender is driven.

A seed sensor 150 (e.g., an optical or electromagnetic seed sensorconfigured to generate a signal indicating passage of a seed) ispreferably mounted to the seed tube 232 (or the seed conveyor) anddisposed to send light or electromagnetic waves across the path of seeds42. A closing system 236 including one or more closing wheels ispivotally coupled to the row unit 200 and configured to close the trench38.

Turning to FIG. 3, a seed variety selection system 100 is illustrated.The system 100 preferably includes a plurality of bulk hoppers 110(e.g., two bulk hoppers 110 a and 110 b as illustrated). The first bulkhopper 110 a preferably contains a first seed variety (e.g., a firstcorn seed variety or a first soybean variety); the second bulk hopper110 b preferably contains a second seed variety (e.g., a second cornseed variety or a second soybean variety). Each bulk hopper ispreferably in fluid communication with an individual seed entrainer 115.Each seed entrainer 115 is preferably mounted to a lower outlet of theassociated bulk hopper 110. Each seed entrainer 115 is preferably influid communication with a pneumatic pressure source P and configured toconvey air-entrained seeds through a plurality of seed lines 120 to therow units 200. Via a plurality of seed lines 120 a, the bulk hopper 110a and the entrainer 115 a are preferably in seed communication with afirst auxiliary hopper 532-1 of the seed meter 300 of each row unit 200along the toolbar 14. In operation, the bulk hopper 110 a supplies thefirst seed variety to the first auxiliary hopper 532-1 of the seed meter300 of each row unit 200. Via a plurality of seed lines 120 b, the bulkhopper 110 b and the entrainer 115 b are preferably in seedcommunication with a second auxiliary hopper 532-2 of the seed meter 300of each row unit 200 along the toolbar 14. In operation, the bulk hopper110 b supplies the second seed variety to the second auxiliary hopper532-2 of the seed meter 300 of each row unit 200.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 3, the drive 315 is preferably in datacommunication with a drive controller 160. The drive controller ispreferably configured to generate a drive command signal correspondingto a desired rate of seed disc rotation. The drive controller 160 ispreferably in data communication with a planter monitor 190. The plantermonitor 190 preferably includes a memory, a processor, and a userinterface. The planter monitor is preferably configured to send drivecommand signals and/or desired rates of seed disc rotation to the drivecontroller 160. The planter monitor 190 is preferably in datacommunication with a GPS receiver 195 mounted to either the planter 10or the tractor used to draw the planter. The planter monitor 190 ispreferably in data communication with a speed sensor 197 (e.g., a radarspeed sensor) mounted to either the planter 10 or the tractor. As usedherein, “data communication” may refer to any of electricalcommunication, electronic communication, wireless (e.g., radio)communication, or communication by any other medium configured totransmit analog signals or digital data.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 3, each vacuum port 342 is preferably influid communication with a vacuum source 170 via a vacuum line 172.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 3, the seed meter 300 of the row unit 200 ispreferably in seed communication with (e.g., disposed to deposit seedinto) a seed tube 232 (or seed conveyor) associated with the row unit200. The seed sensor 150 associated with the seed tube 232 of each rowunit 200 is preferably in data communication with the planter monitor190.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 3, the planter monitor 190 is preferably indata communication with a fill level sensor 570 associated with themeter 300 and one or more seed transfer actuators 550 associated withthe meter 300.

FIGS. 9-13 illustrate another embodiment for selectively supplying seedto a seed meter 300 wherein the first auxiliary hopper 532-1 and thesecond auxiliary hopper 532-2 are separate compartments 932 within a rowunit seed hopper 910. FIG. 9 is a top perspective view showing a partialcutaway of the hopper 910. FIG. 10 is a partial top plan view. FIG. 11is a cross-sectional view as viewed along lines X-X of FIG. 10. FIG. 12is a cross-sectional view as viewed along lines Y-Y of FIG. 10. Itshould be appreciated that the hopper 910 may be divided into aplurality of compartments 932 each holding a different seed variety. Therow unit seed hopper 910 is shown with first compartment 932-1 andsecond compartment 932-2, separated by a divider panel 934. Firstcompartment 932-1 has a first seed passage 933-1, and second compartment932-2 has a second seed passage 933-2, both of which are incommunication with seed transfer actuator 950. Seed transfer actuator950 is disposed in the bottom of row unit seed hopper 910 to allow forgravity feed of the seed through the first seed passage 933-1 and secondseed passage 933-2. Seed transfer actuator is in communication with theseed pool 520 and is rotated by a shaft 951 and motor 952.

Seed transfer actuator 950 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 10 and13. In this embodiment, seed transfer actuator 950 is a rotating gatethat rotates about a vertical axis A-A. There is an opening 953 in seedtransfer actuator 950 which is rotated to align with the seed passage933 thereby allowing the seeds to pass from the respective compartment932 to pass through the passage 933 and the opening 953 into the seedpool 520 below. The angle α creating the opening can be any angle thatpermits one compartment 932 or no compartments 932 to be incommunication with seed pool 520. It will be appreciated that with anincreasing number of compartments, the angle α will decrease. For thetwo compartment embodiment shown, angle α is less than 120°. In anotherembodiment, angle α is less than 90° or about 80°. This rotating gateconfiguration is simpler to operate compared to a drop gate or a rotarygate rotating about a horizontal axis in that gravity can be used as thedriving force to move the seed.

It should be appreciated that as the number of compartments increase,the openings 953 may become so small that seed flow may be too slow tofeed the seed pool 520. As shown in FIG. 14, a seed hopper 910 may bedivided into four compartments 932-1, 932-2, 932-3, 932-4 with a seedpool feeder 970 disposed below the compartments which is incommunication with the seed pool 950 of the seed meter 300. In thisembodiment, a first seed transfer actuator 950-1 is disposed to be incommunication with a first compartment 932-1 and a second compartment932-2, and a second seed transfer actuator 950-2 is disposed to be incommunication with third compartment 932-3 and fourth compartment 932-4.In operation, one of the seed transfer actuators 950-1 or 950-2 can becommanded to open to allow seeds to flow through one of the respectiveseed passages 933-1, 933-2, 933-3, 933-4 and into seed pool feeder 970.

The seed transfer actuator 950 can further include a Hall effect sensor960 to set a home position of the rotating gate and determining therotation of seed transfer actuator 950 about the vertical axis.

A benefit of the system is a simplification of each row unit in thatonly one seed meter is needed at each row unit to plant multiple typesof seeds. This reduces the number parts and the cost.

Drive Control Methods

Turning to FIG. 6, a process 1000 is illustrated for selecting a seedvariety planted by the row units 200 of the variety selection system100. At step 1005, the planter monitor 190 preferably accesses a seedvariety map, preferably stored in the memory of the planter monitor. Theseed variety map preferably comprises a file (e.g., a shape file)associating desired seed types with geo-referenced locations. In otherembodiments, two separate maps may be used to independently control theseed transfer actuators; in such embodiments the a first map preferablyinstructs the first seed transfer actuator not to transfer seeds atlocations for which the second map instructs the second meter totransfer seeds, and vice versa.

At step 1010, the planter monitor 190 preferably repeatedly determines aseed pool level (e.g., an amount of seeds, height of seeds, or number ofseeds) in the seed pool of a first variety stored in auxiliary hopper532-1. For example, the planter monitor 190 may determine the seed poollevel based on the signal from the fill level sensor 570. Alternativelyor additionally, the planter monitor 190 may determine the seed poollevel based on an estimated amount of seed transferred by the seedtenders 560-1 (e.g., based on a number of rotations of an output shaftof the seed transfer actuator 550) during a preceding time period and/ora number of seeds planted (e.g., based on seed sensor pulses or measuredor commanded seed disc rotations) during the same time period.

At step 1010, if the planter monitor 190 determines the seed pool levelis below a critical threshold (e.g., a level required for operation ofthe seed meter), the planter monitor 190 preferably commands the seedtender 560 to transfer seeds to the seed pool 520 (e.g., until the seedpool level again meets the critical threshold).

At step 1015, the planter monitor 190 preferably obtains the speed ofthe row unit 200 using one of the methods disclosed in the '327application. At step 1020, the planter monitor 190 preferably estimatesthe time to the nearest variety boundary, e.g., by dividing the distanceto the variety boundary by the speed of the row unit.

At step 1025, the planter monitor 190 preferably determines that thetime to the variety boundary is less than a switch threshold. The switchthreshold may correspond to the time required to fill the seed pool tothe critical threshold.

At step 1030, upon making the determination of step 1025, the plantermonitor 190 preferably stops driving the first seed transfer actuator550-1. The planter monitor 190 may then optionally wait for seed to beplanted from the seed pool 520 until determining that the criticalthreshold (or another fill threshold such as a higher or lower fillthreshold) has been reached as seeds of the first variety are plantedfrom the seed pool 520. The planter monitor 190 then preferably beginsdriving the second seed transfer actuator 550-2 in order to transferseeds of the second variety from the auxiliary hopper 532-2 to the seedpool 520.

At step 1035, the planter monitor preferably commands a speed to thesecond drive 315-2 based on an application rate map stored in the memoryof the planter monitor and associating desired application rates withgeoreferenced locations.

Turning to FIG. 8, a process 8000 is illustrated for selecting a seedvariety planted by the row units 200 of the variety selection system100. At step 8005, the planter monitor 190 preferably accesses a seedingprescription map, e.g., a map associating geo-referenced positions inthe field with desired seeding rates and/or desired seed varieties.

At step 8010, the planter monitor 190 preferably determines whether theprescription map calls for a single-row variety switch, e.g., whether arow unit 200 should alternate seed types during planting in order toimplement the prescription. The determination of step 8010 may be made(1) based on a user input; (2) by determining whether the prescriptionmap calls for planting more than one seed variety in the field; or (3)by determining whether a predicted or desired planting plan includes asingle row unit pass that crosses over sub-regions of the field forwhich the prescription calls for two or more seed varieties.

If the result of step 8010 is “No”, then at step 8012 the plantermonitor 190 preferably begins to operate in a single-hybrid modedescribed in more detail below. If the result of step 8010 is “Yes”,then upon beginning the planting operation, at step 8015 the plantermonitor 190 preferably repeatedly (e.g., at regular intervals such asevery 10 seconds or every 10 feet of travel of the implement) determinesa proximity of each row unit 200 to a single-row variety switch.

The proximity determination of step 8015 may be made based on theshortest distance between the contemporaneous (e.g., GPS-reported)position of the implement (e.g., the row unit 200 of the planter) andany boundary between seed variety regions along the current traveldirection of the implement. The proximity may be determined in terms ofany of the following: (1) distance (e.g., simply the shortest distancedescribed in this paragraph); time (e.g., the estimated time required totravel the shortest distance based on the contemporaneous radar- orGPS-reported implement speed); or number of seeds (e.g., a number ofseeds to be planted along the shortest distance based on the plantingrate or population called for by the seeding prescription).

At step 8020, the planter monitor 190 preferably compares the proximitydetermined at step 8015 to a first proximity threshold (e.g., athreshold distance, time, or number of seeds depending on the type ofproximity determined at step 8015) and determines whether the proximityis less than the proximity threshold.

If the result of step 8020 is “No”, then at step 8012 the plantermonitor 190 preferably begins to operate in a single-hybrid mode(described in more detail below) until the result of step 8020 is “Yes”.If the result of step 8020 is “Yes”, then at step 8022 the plantermonitor 190 preferably begins to operate in a multiple-hybrid mode(described in more detail below).

One embodiment of a single-hybrid mode begun at step 8012 comprises thefollowing steps. At step 8014, the planter monitor 190 preferablydetermines a seed pool level according to one of the methods describedherein with respect to process 1000. At step 8014, the planter monitor190 preferably actuates a first seed tender (e.g., drives a seedtransfer actuator such that a the first seed tender such as a firstauger transfers seed from a first seed hopper to the seed pool) upondetermining that the seed pool is below a “low” threshold such as thatdescribed herein with respect to process 1000.

One embodiment of a multiple-hybrid mode begun at step 8022 comprisesthe following steps. At step 8024, the planter monitor 190 preferablydetermines a seed pool level according to one of the methods describedherein with respect to process 1000. At step 8025, the planter monitor190 preferably compares the seed pool level to a “critical” thresholdsuch as that described herein with respect to process 1000. The“critical” threshold preferably corresponds to a lower threshold (e.g.,lower seed pool height, smaller number of seeds) than the “low”threshold. The “critical” threshold may correspond to a number of seedsbetween 10 and 100 seeds for corn seed, e.g., 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60,70, 80, or 90 seeds. In some embodiments, the “critical” threshold maybe determined by referencing a database relating one of a plurality of“critical” thresholds to various combinations of crop types, seedingrates, and implement speeds. At step 8026, upon determining that theseed pool is below the “critical” threshold, the planter monitor 190preferably actuates the first seed tender. At step 8028, the plantermonitor 190 preferably determines that the proximity to a variety switch(e.g., to a variety switch boundary) corresponds to a second proximitythreshold. The second proximity threshold is preferably lower than thefirst proximity threshold. In other embodiments, at step 8028 theplanter monitor 190 instead determines that the proximity to a varietyswitch corresponds to the seed pool level; for example, by determiningthat a proximity value measured in seeds (or corresponding to a numberof seeds) corresponds to the number of seeds to be planted. Once thedetermination of step 8028 has been made, the planter monitor 190optionally delays step 8029 until an optional delay (e.g., a thresholdtime, a threshold distance traveled, a threshold number of seeds plantedand detected by the seed sensor 150) has passed. At step 8029, theplanter monitor 190 preferably stops actuating the first seed tender andbegins actuating the second seed tender. After step 8029, the plantermonitor 190 preferably returns to step 8015 to determine the proximityto the next variety switch.

The foregoing description is presented to enable one of ordinary skillin the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the contextof a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications tothe preferred embodiment of the apparatus, and the general principlesand features of the system and methods described herein will be readilyapparent to those of skill in the art. Thus, the present invention isnot to be limited to the embodiments of the apparatus, system andmethods described above and illustrated in the drawing figures, but isto be accorded the widest scope consistent with the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

1. An apparatus for planting multiple varieties of seed, comprising: a row unit having a seed hopper, said seed hopper having a plurality of compartments, each of said plurality of compartments having a seed passage and each of said plurality of compartments receiving a different seed variety of the multiple seed varieties; a seed pool; a seed transfer actuator comprising a gate rotatable about a vertical axis, said gate having a gate opening therethrough, said gate selectively rotatable about said vertical axis to align said gate opening with one said seed passage of one of said plurality of compartments thereby opening communication of the seed received in said one compartment with said seed pool while said gate blocks said seed passages of said other compartments preventing communication with said seed pool of the seed received in said other compartments; a seed meter adapted to dispense the seed communicated to said seed pool from said one compartment with which said seed pool is in open communication.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a Hall effect sensor disposed adjacent to said rotating gate to determine a position of said gate opening.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said seed transfer actuator is disposed within said seed hopper.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said seed transfer actuator is disposed below said seed hopper.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a fill level sensor disposed to detect presence of the seed within said seed pool above a fill level.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said fill level sensor determines an amount of the seed within said seed pool.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a seed conveyor disposed to receive the seed dispensed by said seed meter and to deposit the received seed into a seed trench.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a seed tube disposed to receive the seed dispensed by said seed meter and to deposit the received seed into a seed trench.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a seed pool feeder disposed between said seed transfer actuator and said seed pool.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said seed transfer actuator is disposed at a bottom of said seed hopper.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said row unit has only one said seed meter.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said seed meter is disposed adjacent to said seed hopper.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said seed transfer actuator is disposed within seed hopper, said seed meter is disposed adjacent to said seed hopper, and said row unit has only one said seed meter. 